-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the wake of the Arab Spring and the global financial crisis , focus has been on the world 's new and so-called `` disrupted society . ''

But I would avoid using such a negative phrase for Jordan ; which is where I live and which has avoided the severity of the uprisings in other Middle Eastern countries .

While some might point to a `` disrupted society , '' I call our world an `` enriched and awakened society . '' It is a society of potential , innovation , and opportunity . Youth dominate the globe -- the 3.5 billion people under the age of 30 make up half of the world 's population .

Therefore , we have an impact on our own lives today , and we are the decision makers of our lives tomorrow .

So how do we react to such opportunities , and what do we do with such potential that resides within us ? Do we add water and sunlight so it can sprout , or do we suppress it with darkness and ignorance ?

It is said that Arab youth have faced tough challenges since the Arab Spring . But this is not unusual . Youth all around the world have faced unemployment , high tuition fees , and tough economic situations for years . It is these challenges that allow for innovation and creativity to be born . This is when and where we unleash our potential .

Jordan 's youth are not completely satisfied with the performance of the public sector , nor are they satisfied with their ability to participate in the decision making process . These frustrations , coupled with difficult economic times , have created an unstable environment and resulted in the launch of initiatives to engage youth as active citizens in political , economic , and social decision-making .

But unemployment in Jordan and the Middle East did not take us by surprise during the Arab Spring . High unemployment was present in the Middle East , and in almost every country around the world , for many years before the uprising . The impact , however , has been far more painful as the world faltered under the economic downturn .

The domino effect of the economic crisis hit the developed countries first , and then reached the developing nations of the Middle East . When it hit Jordan it was , by coincidence , around the same time of the Arab Spring .

Therefore , it is important to note that the Arab Spring was n't a mere result of unemployment , nor was it a complete call for democracy and freedom . The Arab Spring was simply a call for change : change in ideologies , change in direction , change in hope .

Unemployment is a major issue in the Middle East and North Africa region , especially in Jordan . The official rate is 11 % , and unofficial estimates are about twice that figure . Generous employment opportunities in the public sector have eased the pressure , but the debt crisis facing the government has been hindering its ability to help .

Policy makers are now pressed to come up with solutions to empower the private sector and improve the education system .

Many of the world 's young are uncertain of their future and their ability to find meaningful employment . Jordan 's young have some of the region 's most sought-after talents , due to their high quality of education and hard-working attitudes .

Regretfully , their productivity is not contributing to Jordan 's economy , as they can not find competitive salaries or similar opportunities . Therefore , many look for jobs abroad , particularly in the Gulf region .

Yet , there is still hope for Jordanians . The entrepreneurship scene is expanding , and more of the country 's young are establishing companies . I believe the young can rise and flourish -- especially in today 's tough climate -- by thinking about their `` sphere of influence . '' We should collaborate with individuals from our region by crossing borders , creating partnerships , and exploring ideas .

Travel between Middle Eastern counties can be challenging due to visa requirements , but the virtual world eliminates such boundaries . Technological advances unite us in ways we should be united . And we must remember that divided we are as fragile as separate fingers , but united we are a strong fist .

Three years ago , the Arab Spring signified hope . Now , Jordanian youth have witnessed the negative transformations in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Syria . Jordanian youth are smart and will not allow their country to head towards that same path . But the need for security and stability must be accompanied by reform and growth .

I do not believe the Arab Spring caused a `` disrupted society . '' Rather , the Arab Spring has created an opportunity that allows things `` out of the norm '' to occur .

Such an Arab Spring encourages innovation and creativity ; it allows for thoughts and ideas to sprout that were once dormant .

Therefore , I advise my fellow Arab to prepare , strategize , and implement with utmost passion , wisdom , and honesty .

READ MORE :

Opinion : Should we be depressed about the ` Arab Spring ' ?

Arab Spring three years on : Why instability will continue into 2014

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Amir Shihadeh .

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Shihadeh : Post-Arab Spring Mideast is `` enriched and awakened society , '' not a `` disrupted society ''

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The Arab Spring was simply a call for change , change in ideologies , change in direction , change in hope

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Arab Spring allows for thoughts and ideas to sprout that were once dormant , he writes